Former Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb. (Press-Register/John David Mercer)

BAY MINETTE, Alabama -- Former Baldwin County District Attorney Judy A. Newcomb said her successor, who said that the office had been “sabotaged,” owes her an apology now that a state audit disclosed that the office was in good financial shape upon Newcomb’s departure.

“She slandered me,” Newcomb said Monday.

Newcomb said that she hadn’t contacted District Attorney Hallie S. Dixon to request an apology. But she said that someone was reviewing Dixon’s statements on her behalf, to help her determine an appropriate course of action.

In response to questions from the Press-Register, Dixon said via email Monday: "As I have said before, I will not spend any more time engaging in a back-and-forth with my predecessor as this does not serve the public interest. As we said last week, the state audit is a routine historical review of the previous administration’s revenues and expenditures performed after the completion of each administration, and we expected that there would be no violation of law or regulations."

Baldwin County District Attorney Hallie Dixon in January said "sabotage" had hindered her efforts in her office. Dixon says she and her staff found files left in this position. (Press-Register/Victor Calhoun)

After taking over Jan. 17, Dixon held a news conference during which she said that the District Attorney’s Office had been left in a state of chaos that she called “sabotage.”

She didn’t name anyone who might be responsible, but said she couldn’t imagine how an office could function while being in such disarray.

Newcomb said Monday, “We ran the office well and fiscally soundly. ... It’s important in this world where people Google you that your reputation remain intact. And I think that when someone misstates the facts, they need to apologize for it.

“Everyone can make mistakes, but it’s serious to accuse somebody of financial wrongdoing and sabotage.”

No irregularities or violations found

According to the audit, released March 25, the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts found no indication of irregularities or violations of state and local laws and regulations from the period of Oct. 1, 2008, through Jan. 17 under Newcomb’s tenure.

A summary of the office’s financial records suggested a cash balance of more than $1.3 million as of Jan. 17, according to the audit.

Newcomb said that with payroll paid up through March, Dixon had close to $2 million for her operating budget and to deal with anticipated state budget cuts.

Following the release of the audit, a spokeswoman for the District Attorney’s Office said that the state audit was a limited, routine review of the previous administration’s revenues and expenditures and no violations had been expected.

Dixon indicated in her email that she continues to work to improve the office and its finances.

"We are applying for grants, cutting costs and reviewing contracts to increase revenue and achieve savings wherever possible," she said. "I am proud to have a dedicated and experienced team of 48 attorneys and support staff who are focused on addressing case backlogs and protecting the citizens of Baldwin County. We have made great progress in just a few months, including some important courtroom successes such as last week’s capital murder conviction."

Last week Sarah Burnette was convicted in the 2008 shooting death of her estranged husband and sentenced to life in prison.

Newcomb said she had no opinion on how Dixon, one her former assistant district attorneys, is handling the job of leading the office now.

“I have been trying to move on and explore other opportunities and really, other than what I’ve been criticized for, haven’t paid a lot of attention to how she’s performing,” Newcomb said.